I have a 10 yr old $99 Bushnell, but I have trouble seeing .308 bullet holes in the black at 100yds, especially if there're shadows.

I'm looking for the spotting scope equivalent to the Pentax SP bino's; great price/performance before you get to diminishing returns.

This'll be for range use, so weight's not a big deal. If $350 doesn't get me there, I'd spend more.

Thanks

Nobody has any advice on spotting scopes?

I'm using a Celestron 80 at the range. It works great and the cost should be under $200. It isn't compact or light.

Eagle Optics Raven
Bushnell Elite
Celestron Ultima ED $500, but worth it.
Nikon Earth and Sky
Stokes Sandpiper

I looked at the Stokes Sandpiper and was impressed at its value compared to some that cost twice as much. Best warranty in the business.

at that pricetag i believe I'd be looking for a good used B&L. Been my experience that a 99 bushnell you'll have trouble seeing 106 mm holes at 20'

quote:

Originally posted by skl1:
I have a 10 yr old $99 Bushnell, but I have trouble seeing .308 bullet holes in the black at 100yds, especially if there're shadows.

I'm looking for the spotting scope equivalent to the Pentax SP bino's; great price/performance before you get to diminishing returns.

This'll be for range use, so weight's not a big deal. If $350 doesn't get me there, I'd spend more.

Thanks

May I suggest:
May I suggest the Vortex Show Samples that were got from them from the Shot Show....

Vortex Show Samples - Full Warranty
Spotting Scopes
Impact 70mm @ $129.99
Nomad 20-60x60 Straight @ $229.99Vortex Show Samples - Full Warranty
Nomad 20-60x60 Angled $239.99
Skyline 20-60x80 Straight $289.99
Skyline 20-60x80 Angled @ $299.99

We purchased Vortex' samples from the Shot & Archery Shows. These are great scopes for anywhere near their price point. I think this would be perfect for you.

http://www.cameralandny.com/demos.html

i was researching the same and decided on an alpen 80mm. from what ive found, they are the highest grade in that price range. looked at them at the shot show and was sold. me and a buddy bought 2 from a dealer on gunbroker (discountgunner.com) for $304/ea shipped.

its not a swarovski but for the money its a very good scope.

My kowa 821 picks up .22 holes @ 300 yds. with a 27x eye piece,,For the best price and no bs,,go to www.jarheadtop.com Have fun,!!Clay

I dunno, also tried to go the real cheap route and was never satisfied. Figured I'd go middle of the road, which wasn't much better. Didn't want to go top end, so decided on a Minox. I am satisfied with it, goes for ~$500 or so, Waidmannsheil, Dom.

MINOX

skl1,
Natchez S/S has my spotting scope on sale right now for a great price. I have used this spotting scope for over seven years and love it and are 1000% satisfied with its performance. I orignally paid $411.95 for mine. That was for the kit that included a soft case and tripod. The scope model and cost are as fallows:

Nikon Spotter XL
16-48x60mm
Cost now at N/SS, $349.95
Item# FO1NK6892
This scope is advertized in their flier.

This spotter features are: all lens surfases are fully muti-coated and "phase corrected" as well as having all internal surfases "blackened" to elimimate lite reflecting off of them. Rubbered armored coating, fully water proof and fog proof.

It is a great all around lite weight spotter that will serve you well both hunting (especially backpack hunting) and at the gun range. If you wish more info on what I think about this spotter PM me and I will be happy to tell you.

There is no other spotter out there that I am awere of that is water/fog proof that is near as good for $350.00 as the Nikon XL is.

quote:

Originally posted by skl1:
I have a 10 yr old $99 Bushnell, but I have trouble seeing .308 bullet holes in the black at 100yds, especially if there're shadows.

I'm looking for the spotting scope equivalent to the Pentax SP bino's; great price/performance before you get to diminishing returns.

This'll be for range use, so weight's not a big deal. If $350 doesn't get me there, I'd spend more.

Thanks

skl1,
I have been looking for a bit at spotters.
Went to a Telescope shop in the area and compared a few that were there.
There were about 6 that were between the $300 and $600 range that I looked at.
They were all 20-60 zoom. A couple of 100 and the rest were 80's.
The shop sits up on a hill and we were looking into a parking lot at about 500 yards. Also looking at a slough with ducks at about 400+ yards.
The Celestron Ultima ED was the clearest in that price range. (I could almost read "washington" on the license plates) It compared with the KOWA!!!!
(there were myself and a co-worker/hunting buddy looking through each of the scopes)

Anyway got back to a computer to take a look around and compare prices and options and found that the ED comes in a 22-66X100 also.
Did some looking around for it and came across this: Celestron Ultima ED 22-66X100

Got the tracking number this afternoon!!

I can see the 223 size holes easily with the 32X rifle scope at 200 yards.

I just take an extra rifle with me.